By Kristine Hornung-Pottle:
Kenmore Ave is truly packed full of good eating. Another new place on the Ave is The Garage Deli, located at 1139 Kenmore Ave. You can’t miss it because there is a giant BBQ smoker made out of an old Corvair right in front. Traffic seems to slow down as folks driving by try to figure out what is going on. I opted to pull in for lunch and check it out myself. The location is adjacent to Torches restaurant owned by the same chefs.
As I approached the deli, there were chefs busy smoking briskets, turkeys, etc. on the Corvair Smoker. It was quite a sight and the aroma was incredible. I walked in and was greeted at the counter by friendly people offering up their tasty menu. I was pointed towards a daily special sandwich, explained as, “We have a healthy option for today, a Mediterranean Chicken special.” That is all well and good, but once you get a whiff of that smoking meat, there is no going back. I ordered the pot roast sandwich!
While I waited for my order, I wandered around the space a bit. They have a disassembled chopper in the window, which looks as if it is being put together on site (though it’s not). This is definitely a place my boys must see! The walls are lined with motor art and lots of media coverage about the chefs. The Richert brothers have carved out quite a name for themselves. I spent my wait reading reviews and pondering the wall of homemade canned goods. The Garage Deli sells interesting jars of pickles, jams, pickled vegetables and salsas, all made in-house. I scooped up a jar of pickled hot peppers to add to my order. There is also a mustard bar that has quite the selection of local and imported mustards to choose from.
The pot roast sandwich is basted in A&W and served on a soft roll with braised carrots & BBQ sauce. I ordered a side of good old broccoli salad (a classic preparation with broccoli, raisins, bacon & red onion). I had to get my sandwich to go, so I did not partake in the mustard bar. The eco-Seattle in me wanted to ask why they don’t use compostable to-go boxes but I didn’t. Hopefully Buffalo will ban styrofoam soon too. I suffered all the way home smelling my sandwich and by the time I got to my table, my mouth was watering!
I rolled up my sleeves and got ready to dive into my giant sandwich. I was dismayed to find out that they forgot the BBQ sauce. It was not on the sandwich or on the side. Granted the meat was moist and delicious and the carrots on top added a nice sweetness to the bite. I had some good mustard in my fridge, so it was just fine. The broccoli salad was just how I remembered it to be: sweet, savory, tangy & crunchy. It was a great side choice to the pot roast. I do love a good BBQ sauce and appreciate tasting the house preparations at BBQ joints. So after reading all the info displayed in the deli about the Richert chefs, I am really excited to taste what they make. I guess I will just have to go back soon.
The Garage Deli – Facebook (scroll down for the menus)
1139 Kenmore Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14217
716.768.0780